Lamborghini Veneno: A Racing Prototype

I’m going to have to date myself here and use a phrase that has long gone into remission, but it seems to be the only appropriate way to describe Lamborghini’s 50th birthday present to itself and three special customers: “Out of this world.”

A Showcase in Composite Construction

The uberly-aggressive styled Veneno, based on the Aventador and homologated for road use, was one of the darlings of the Geneva Motor Show in 2013. Extensive use of composite materials throughout the entire vehicle, beginning with the monocoque chassis, and then moving on to the body and finally the interior and seats, showcase Lamborghini’s expertise in utilizing composite materials to maximize performance by keeping weight minimal and also, in providing unparalleled aesthetic pleasure.

What is Forged Composite?

Lamborghini uses a proprietary material called “Forged Composite” in the construction of much of the Veneno including all exterior body panels and the shell of its bucket seats. First used extensively in the Sesto Elemento concept vehicle, Forged Composite is similar to carbon fiber, but cures faster, is more cost effective to produce and can be shaped or molded into more complex forms than traditional carbon fiber. It produces a unique marble-like appearance rather than the typical weave seen on most carbon fiber parts.

Carbonskin Replaces Alcantara and Leather in the Veneno

If you look at a photo of the Veneno’s interior, you’ll also see the use of a leather-like, soft, carbon-fiber textile material on the seats and dash: this is Lamborghini’s flexible, lightweight composite fabric they call “Carbonskin.” The generous use of lightweight composites found in almost every square inch of the Veneno means it weighs in at a fairly lean 3,190-lbs, 275 less than the Aventador it’s derived from.

Veneno’s 6.5-Liter V12 Up To 740-HP

But a strict diet isn’t enough to propel a supercar into hypercar territory: the recipe also calls for more power. The Veneno’s 6.5-liter V12 produces 740-hp, up from the 691-hp of the Aventador. Horsepower gains were made by the use of enlarged air intakes, higher revs and a new, freer-flowing exhaust system. Power is sent to all four wheels via Lamborghini’s ISR seven-speed manual gearbox, well-noted for its ability to induce bone-rattling shifts in “Corsa” mode.

Pricing and Availability

In total only five Veneno’s were ever produced, two kept by the company and three sold to customers for an estimated price of roughly $4 million each, which would make it the most expensive production car ever. Lamborghini in 2014 began a limited nine unit production run of a roadster version of the Veneno, priced at a $500,000 premium over the coupe.

Search: Lamborghini Cars For Sale